US, Italy, Poland demonstrate air shielding in eastern NATO territory

The US, Italy, and Poland have teamed up for aerial maneuvers to support an Air Shielding mission in NATO’s eastern territories.

The drills were performed “to hone planning and flying skills based on thorough planning and universal tactics, techniques and procedures.”

It involved the participation of a US F-22 Raptor tactical fighter, Italian Eurofighter Typhoons, and Polish F-16 Fighting Falcons and MiG-29 multirole aircraft.

Polish and international media covered the event aboard two Polish Casa C-295 transport aircraft.

During the mission, the Allied planes conducted a training intercept with a separate aircraft simulating an aerial threat.

The planes then performed aerial precision drills with a transport aircraft, demonstrating close-formation flights, escorts, and additional intercepts.

“What that looks like is an enhanced posture on the eastern flank of NATO territory, not only to deter our adversaries, but also to assure our Allies that we are ready to respond to any threat, any time,” US Air Force 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron Lt. Col. Michael Kendall explained.

“Since being in the European theatre, we’ve integrated and trained with more than 10 NATO Allies which has increased our interoperability and readiness, providing this region a credible, effective deterrent in an evolving threat environment.”

Deterrence and Defense in NATO’s Eastern Flank

In August, a US Air Force F-22 was deployed to the Polish F-16 home base in Łask to assist in regular surveillance flights, air patrols, and training events.

“The deployment of the F-22 in Poland is a clear expression of NATO’s commitment to readiness, which promotes security and stability in the region,” Polish Air Force Directorate Brig. Gen. Ireneusz Nowak explained.

Meanwhile, Italian Eurofighters currently work with Polish MiG-29 fighters and other aircraft in the Malbork region to assure “deterrence and defense along the easter flank.”